Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Dixon, 35th Operations Support Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, assists an Aomori WATS basketball player in adjusting straps on a parachute landing simulator at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. As part of their visit to Misawa AB, the basketball players had the opportunity to learn about parachute landings and how important this training is for 35th Fighter Wing pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

An Aomori WATS basketball player adjusts the goggles on a parachute landing simulator at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. Hosted by the 35th Operations Group, the basketball players learned about survival, evasion, resistance and escape training necessary for U.S. Air Force pilots to maintain mission-ready status. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

Aomori WATS basketball players pose for a group photo in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. During their tour, the players learned about the teamwork it takes for Airmen across the 35th Fighter Wing to ensure mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

Eugene Scott, 35th Operations Group executive assistant, shares historical photos and imagery of the 14th Fighter Squadron with Aomori WATS basketball players at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. Scott showed the team photos and newspaper articles of historical 14 FS events dating back to the early 1980s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Colby Fuller, 35th Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of aircrew flight equipment main shop, removes an emergency flotation device from an Aomori WATS basketball player at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. Aircrew flight equipment Airmen showed the players some of the accessories and equipment they maintain for pilots. In this instance, one of the players had the opportunity to deploy the emergency flotation device worn by pilots of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo)

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Aomori basketball stars experience Wild Weasel mission

Published Aug. 11, 2015
By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- As part of a bilateral community relations event, the 35th Operations Group hosted the Aomori WATS professional basketball team for a tour here, Aug. 5.

Eugene Scott, 35 OG executive assistant, developed a relationship with the team through family ties and served as the players' guide to the mission of the 35th Fighter Wing's Wild Weasels.

Since many of the local players were not familiar with Japanese or American military aircraft, equipment or missions, the tour helped familiarize them with the role the base plays in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The tour also showcased the importance of teamwork between Airmen to ensure mission success, similar to how the athletes depend on each other on the court.